International Vision Centre (IVC) Church on Saturday officially opened its modern centre of excellence in Sports at Maili Nne on the outskirts of Eldoret town.
The opening of the facility named Makena Sports Centre for Champions was graced by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim.
Speaking at the event, Bii said the facility was one of its kind.
He also said it aligns perfectly with the national government’s policy on monetisation of talents.
The centre has an ultra modern Tennis and Basketball courts.
“This is a place to grow talents. It will make our children to get opportunity to grow their talents since nobody knows their future,” said the county boss.
Endowed with talents
He further noted that Uasin Gishu is endowed with many talents both in sports and leadership – which need to be nurtured from a tender age.
World beaters in Athletics, rugby, football among others reside in Uasin Gishu county.
“This is a home of every vision. I am happy to be part of this successful story,” said Bii.
In addition, the county boss said that it was important to have such facilities especially at this time Eldoret is preparing for the city status.
“When we become a city, we need to have great facilities like such so that when visitors come, we have recreational sites,” said Bii who was accompanied by his sports minister Lucy Ng’endo and other county officials.
On his part IVC Bishop Joseph Likavo said the facility will help to nurture talents from early age.
“The development of this sports complex is to work towards sports accomplishment. We have made a field for kids’ soccer, not for elite football because our target is talent development from Pre-primary 1 and 2 and lower primary kids in soccer,” said Likavo.
With the region renown for producing top athletes, Bishop Likavo said that the modern basketball and lawn tennis court will also raise talents in the two areas.
“In this region, we don’t have much of basketball and tennis stars. However, we want to raise basketball players in this region to compete at the global stage. Tennis is a very well paying sport but our children don’t have a chance to be part of tennis development. The purpose of this is to raise up children, develop talent and release them to the competitive world,” said the IVC leader.
The church has already identified professional tennis and basketball trainers who will help in nurturing of the young talents.
“I also talked to Tecla (Chemabwai) to help in athletics training. We also have someone to train in soccer,” Bishop Likavo said.
“We are going to make this facility available where the parents or guardians will register their children for identification,” he added.
He further noted that the aim of the Makena Sports Centre is specifically to develop talente and not to use it as an income generating facility.
Bishop Livako also expressed optimism that the centre will help the young warj a living from their talents.
“The government is not offering jobs but giving the chance for talents to flourish. It is hard to get jobs and talents will help in making money. If you travel across Europe you will find kids making money from talents by running. It is a good idea,” he added.
Yo about ivc basketball court it isn’t completed we are really suffering as the players please finish the renovation plz